Wild Ambition Bloom Episode 27 Recap
> Wild Ambition Bloom Recap
Chu Shaohua reunited with her first love, Xia Chu, in Shanghai, rekindling their romance. Xia Chu's mother vehemently opposed their marriage, but Xia Chu was determined to marry Shaohua. Xia mother even sought out Shaohua for a negotiation, but Shaohua was equally resolute. Their unwavering love deeply moved Xia Yuan and his wife, who tried to persuade Xia mother to accept Shaohua. However, Xia mother refused to budge and, in a fit of anger, checked herself into the hospital.
Xia Chu and Shaohua's feelings deepened through their reunion and shared life-and-death experiences. Although Xia Chu was extremely busy and they rarely met, Shaohua didn't mind, content as long as their hearts were connected. One late night, Xia Chu whistled downstairs to call Shaohua, and they shared a passionate embrace. They had once promised to go to France together; when Xia Chu heard that Shaohua had supposedly died in a cliff fall, he had gone to France alone.
This memory brought back the painful recollection of Shaohua's deceased daughter, Xuanxuan, and Xia Chu comforted her tenderly. Xia Chu then knelt and proposed, vowing they would never be separated again. Moved to tears, Shaohua recounted her experiences from six years ago, which Xia Chu was unaware of, leaving him deeply emotional. The five-province allied army commander ordered an attack on the Fengtian army. Sun Chuanfang led his troops to defeat the Fengtian army, capturing Songjiang and Shanghai.
Xia Chu knew Xia Yuan had bet on the Fengtian army, which was quickly defeated. He advised Xia Yuan to place his faith in the common people instead. Xia Chu announced his and Shaohua's engagement to his family. Xia mother vehemently disagreed, citing Shaohua's unclear past. Xia Yuan's wife, knowing Wen Zhiqiu's affection for Shaohua, found the situation complicated. Xia Chu, however, was resolute, insisting he would marry no one but Shaohua.
In a fit of anger, Xia mother slapped Xia Chu. Xia Yuan and his wife had to use much persuasion to calm their mother down and get her to leave. Xia Yuan also disagreed with Xia Chu marrying Shaohua, urging him to consider his mother. But Xia Chu chose Shaohua, asking Xia Yuan to help persuade their mother, believing she would eventually understand.
Xia Yuan seized the opportunity to suggest Xia Chu return to help manage the pharmacy, but Xia Chu wanted to wait until the revolution succeeded. Xia Yuan admired Shaohua's abilities, believing that if she married Xia Chu, she would become a great asset to his business. However, he worried that Wen Zhiqiu would cancel his cooperation with Jujing Hall because of this.
Xia Yuan decided to find a way to appease Wen Zhiqiu and asked his wife to talk to their mother. Xia mother called Shaohua for a meeting, directly expressing her opposition to the marriage. Shaohua reiterated her commitment to Xia Chu and her belief that he wouldn't give up either. Xia mother repeatedly claimed Shaohua was not worthy of Xia Chu, citing Xia Chu's prominent family background and high education, while Shaohua had been married and had a child.
Shaohua argued that feelings couldn't be measured by such things, and subtly reminded Xia mother that she herself was a widow before marrying Xia's father. Xia mother was furious. Shaohua then praised Xia mother as an extraordinary woman, acknowledging that despite their mismatched backgrounds, Xia mother had tirelessly dedicated herself to the Xia family, making it powerful. Shaohua expressed understanding that even now, Xia family relatives hadn't fully accepted Xia mother.
Shaohua pleaded with Xia mother not to obstruct her and Xia Chu's relationship, but Xia mother remained unmoved. Xia Yuan's wife, however, was deeply touched by Shaohua's words and sided with her. Xia mother angrily confronted Xia Yuan, forbidding him from doing business with Chu Shaohua. Xia Yuan patiently tried to persuade his mother to accept Xia Chu and Shaohua's marriage, hoping it would also settle Xia Chu's mind.
But Xia mother still refused to yield, slamming the door and leaving in a huff. Xia Chu learned from his sister-in-law that his mother had caused a scene with Chu Shaohua. He went to Shaohua to apologize, but Shaohua understood his mother's good intentions. Xia Chu promised to talk to his mother. Chu Shaohua then brought Xia Chu to meet Cheng Hui, and invited Cheng Hui to dinner.
Upon learning of Xia Chu and Chu Shaohua's impending marriage, Cheng Hui inquired in detail about Xia Chu's income, family background, and current situation, then sent Shaohua away to buy roasted sweet potatoes. Cheng Hui and Xia Chu had a private conversation. Cheng Hui explicitly stated that Xia Chu was not good enough for Shaohua, but acknowledged Shaohua's unwavering commitment to Xia Chu. Cheng Hui warned Xia Chu to treat Shaohua well, or he would "fight him to the death."
Xia Chu vowed to make Shaohua happy and never leave her. When Chu Shaohua returned with the sweet potatoes, Cheng Hui showed her his report card. Xia Chu noticed Cheng Hui excelled in all subjects except English, and immediately began tutoring him. Later, Shaohua asked Xia Chu about his mother. Xia Chu revealed his mother was in the hospital, "mad at me and Xia Yuan" because she was angry and stubborn about their relationship.
Shaohua asked if it was because of her. Xia Chu assured her it wasn't, saying, "It has nothing to do with you." Shaohua expressed empathy, understanding his mother's pain, having lost many loved ones herself. She urged Xia Chu not to let their relationship cause a rift between him and his family, emphasizing that his mother's opinion of her was not as important as his role as a son to make his mother happy after her tough life.
Xia Chu believed making his mother happy simply meant obeying her will, but he declared he would never compromise on their relationship. Shaohua, however, felt he didn't truly understand his mother, believing she desired more than just his obedience. Meanwhile, Mrs. Xia, confined to the hospital due to anger and stubbornness, felt forgotten on her 60th birthday. She had dressed in new clothes, anticipating a visit from Xia Chu and Xia Yuan's family. Xia Yuan's wife arrived alone.
Mrs. Xia voiced her disappointment, lamenting that everyone seemed to have forgotten her special day. Xia Yuan's wife, pretending not to understand Mrs. Xia’s hints about the date, insisted they take a walk for her mental well-being, as instructed by the doctor. They eventually arrived at a pond where Xia Chu, Xia Yuan, and his two children, Youwen and Youze, were waiting. Mrs. Xia was overwhelmed with joy upon seeing them.
To celebrate, they had specially invited a Hebei Bangzi Opera troupe from their hometown to perform "Hua Mulan," Mrs. Xia's signature act from her youth. Mrs. Xia was ecstatic and eager for the performance to begin. Xia Yuan then presented her with a custom-made opera costume, a replica of the cherished one she had sold years ago to support his struggling business. Deeply moved, Mrs. Xia was reluctant to perform, claiming she was too old.
However, her children and grandchildren, including Youwen and Youze, encouraged her, reminding her of her debut at age ten and how happy those performing days were. Finally, she relented, taking the stage in the Hua Mulan costume and performing flawlessly. After the emotional performance, Mrs. Xia declared it her happiest day in sixty years.
Xia Yuan then revealed that the entire elaborate celebration, including booking the hall, inviting the troupe, and customizing the costume, was meticulously planned by Chu Shaohua, who wanted to help her revisit the happiest moments of her life. The family then moved to the birthday banquet, where Mrs. Xia saw Shaohua busy making arrangements. Mrs. Xia warmly thanked Shaohua for her efforts and urged Xia Chu to marry her quickly and have many grandchildren.
Xia Chu and Chu Shaohua were overjoyed, and the entire family offered their heartfelt congratulations. By 1927, the Northern Expeditionary Army achieved a decisive victory and entered Shanghai, welcomed by all sectors of society. Wen's Pharmacy sent comfort items to the army. Wen Zhiqiu visited Xia Yuan for a signature. During their conversation, Xia Yuan remarked on the success of the Northern Expeditionary Army and how Xia Chu’s political foresight was proven correct.
He also revealed that Xia Chu and Chu Shaohua were preparing for their wedding. Wen Zhiqiu, though outwardly offering congratulations, felt a mix of complex emotions, acknowledging that fate had its own plans. He assured Xia Yuan that this would not affect their business collaboration, stating, "I never hold grudges against money." Later, Xia Chu and Chu Shaohua went to try on wedding attire at the Tong Tong Dress Shop.
Shaohua was enchanted by the wedding dress, feeling as if she were in a dream. Xia Chu, equally captivated, agreed it was "more beautiful than a dream," expressing his joy that after many years, he would finally marry her, and they would never be apart again. As Shaohua was about to try on a red qipao for the banquet, Xia Chu received an urgent call, compelling him to leave immediately. He instructed Shaohua to return home after her fitting.
Soon after, the shop assistant informed Shaohua that Mr. Xia had left. That evening, gunshots echoed outside, followed by police arresting people, leaving Shaohua feeling anxious about Xia Chu's safety. The following morning, Xia Yuan's wife rushed to Shaohua's side to deliver the devastating news of Xia Chu’s death. Upon seeing Xia Chu’s body in the morgue, Chu Shaohua was overcome with grief and collapsed.
Chu Shaohua eventually awoke in the hospital, finding Kang Erniu and Wen Zhiqiu by her side. Disoriented, she asked for the date, learning it was the 14th. Ignoring their subtle attempts to bring her to reality, she immediately expressed concern that her wedding was only two days away and many details still needed to be finalized. She firmly believed Xia Chu was merely busy, trusting their arrangement that she would handle the wedding preparations and he would simply attend.
She even chided Wen Zhiqiu for being there, suggesting he should be managing Wen's Pharmacy. Later, from her hospital bed, Shaohua made phone calls, first to Dahua Hotel to add two extra banquet tables, then to a flower shop to confirm her wedding flower order. Still focused on the preparations, she asked Wen Zhiqiu to pick up wedding cakes from Caizhi Pastry Shop. Wen Zhiqiu, distressed by her denial, tried gently to tell her, "There's no wedding."
Undeterred, Shaohua then asked Kang Erniu to accompany her to collect her resized wedding ring. Kang Erniu, heartbroken, watched her friend’s delusion. Xia Yuan's wife, having been informed about Shaohua’s state, rushed to see her. She discussed Shaohua's persistent denial with Wen Zhiqiu, who confirmed that Shaohua refused to accept Xia Chu's death. Xia Yuan's wife approached Shaohua, trying to make her face the grim reality, repeatedly stating, "Xia Chu is gone," and "There won't be a wedding tomorrow."
Shaohua, however, clung to her delusion, drawing a parallel to Xia Chu's earlier disappearance, when everyone thought him dead, and he eventually returned. She tearfully insisted that he would "come back to life" and would "definitely be there on time for the wedding." That night, Kang Erniu stayed with Shaohua, who, dressed in her wedding gown, admired its beauty and spoke of her joy, revealing, "Tomorrow is my wedding day with Xia Chu."
She shared with Kang Erniu, "Do you know how many years I've waited for this day? Eleven years." Kang Erniu listened, her heart aching for her friend. The next morning, Kang Erniu awoke to find Chu Shaohua gone and immediately called Wen Zhiqiu. Shaohua, dressed in her beautiful wedding gown, had made her way to the Dahua Hotel, the planned wedding venue. Wen Zhiqiu intercepted her at the entrance, directly confronting her with the truth.
He unequivocally stated that Xia Chu was dead, detailing the five gunshot wounds, three to his chest, and reminded her that everyone, including herself, had seen his body. When Shaohua insisted Xia Chu was waiting for her and the auspicious moment was near, Wen Zhiqiu passionately urged her to "pull yourself together," accusing her of being a coward for refusing to face reality, despite her past resilience.
The harsh words shattered Shaohua's delusion, and she finally broke down, repeatedly crying, "Xia Chu is dead." Kang Erniu arrived shortly after, her heart heavy with Shaohua's profound grief. Sometime later, a heartbroken Chu Shaohua visited Xia Chu's grave. There, she encountered Xia Yuan, who vowed to avenge his brother's death by killing Mu Ziru. Shaohua, taking matters into her own hands, began secretly tracking Mu Ziru.
That evening, Wen Zhiqiu returned home to find his hidden gun missing from under the table, immediately realizing Shaohua had taken it. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Shaohua, Mu Ziru had made romantic plans for Kang Erniu. At a restaurant, he presented her with a dazzling "Oilie" ring and flowers, telling her he'd found a way to "both make money and get promoted," and that his master would soon switch professions, meaning he "won't deal with violence anymore."
He proposed to Kang Erniu, expressing his desire for a peaceful life together and asking, "Will you marry me?" Suddenly, Chu Shaohua burst into the restaurant, aiming a gun directly at Mu Ziru, accusing him of murdering Xia Chu and declaring her intent to avenge him. Mu Ziru initially feigned ignorance, then desperately tried to explain the chaotic night. He claimed he was on an official mission to apprehend individuals, and Xia Chu's name was not on his list.
He insisted that Xia Chu's sudden appearance, coupled with the bedlam, led to his gun going off accidentally, resulting in Xia Chu’s unintended death. Shaohua vehemently rejected his explanation, challenging his claim of accidental discharge for five bullet wounds. She reminded him of his boast at a recent victory banquet that if he had known "killing communists paid so well, you'd have killed several more."
Mu Ziru, realizing the gravity of the situation, fell to his knees, pleading for his life and invoking his relationship with Kang Erniu. Shaohua remained unmoved, resolute in her quest for revenge. Kang Erniu, horrified, rushed to shield Mu Ziru. In a desperate move, Mu Ziru pulled out his own pistol and aimed it at Shaohua.
Kang Erniu, pleading for him to lower his weapon, then snatched the gun from his hand and threatened to take her own life if he did not cease. Just then, Wen Zhiqiu arrived, holding a grenade. He demanded that Mu Ziru let Shaohua leave, threatening to "perish alongside" Mu Ziru if he refused. Seeing Wen Zhiqiu's determination, Mu Ziru reluctantly relented, and Wen Zhiqiu quickly pulled Shaohua away.
As Mu Ziru started to give chase, Kang Erniu delivered a sharp slap across his face. She then removed the "Oilie" ring he had just given her, severing their relationship with a stark declaration: "There's no future for us." Kang Erniu sternly warned Mu Ziru, "From now on, you must never go to her, let alone hurting her." Outside, Wen Zhiqiu took back his gun from Shaohua and severely reprimanded her. He asked her, "What were you thinking?" and questioned her judgment, contrasting it with her usual shrewdness and strategic thinking, wondering aloud, "What if that grenade had gone off?"
